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Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Welcome, Special Guest Author Karen Harper:

INTERVIEW WITH KAREN HARPER, BEST SELLING AUTHOR:

1.What inspired you to start writing?When did you first get the idea to pursue
publication?

I’ve always been a huge
reader and was an English major and teacher at the college level (OhioState—taught
the infamous English 101, 102, 103) and high school level.I wrote only poetry, then on a trip to England got an
idea for a novel and never looked back.This was in 1980, and I was first published in 1982.It’s been a great career—so may changes in
publishers, popular genres—and of course the e-revolution.

2. How does my publisher
promote my books?

I’ve been blessed in my long
career to have publishers who have promoted my career through traditional and
innovative means.I’ve always had a good
agent who worked on this too.However,
I’ve done a lot to promote myself:written
articles for journals; guest blogged; author appearances and talks; attended
conventions; bought ads; and went on author tours.Of course, author promo has changed greatly
with the internet, and I’ve had to change with the times.The conflict was and especially now is—how
much time should I spend promoting vs. writing?I do have deadline dates for my contracts, which demand staying disciplined.

Also, the fact my
contemporary novels had made the USA TODAY and New York Times lists have given my career a big boost.The historicals have not been on the big
bestseller lists in the US
but have made lists in the UK.One real thrill is to see the novels in
foreign languages, even if I sometimes can’t read one word.Foreign publishers do their own publicity,
and I’ve not yet been asked (except in England) to do any foreign
promotions.Perhaps since I’ve had a lot
of sales in Turkey
and Russia
lately, that’s a good thing!

3.How has my writing grown/developed over the
years?

I began writing genre
fiction, which has pretty set expectations.I enjoyed historical romance, so began with that.However, I loved reading/writing suspense so
segued to contemporary suspense, which I still write today.My big love has always been England,
especially Tudor England, so I’ve also written novels set in that era:THE LAST BOLEYN, MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE, THE
QUEEN’S GOVERNESS and others, as well as a nine-book mystery series THE QUEEN
ELIZABETH I MYSTERIES.It’s a challenge
to write both contemporary and historical—a different mindsetmm structure and
voice for each.I can research both
genres at once, but can’t write both at once.

4.Do you have a literary agent?

Although today
self-publishing makes having an agent not as much of anecessity, I have always had an agent located
in New York City.Agents currently get 15% of what the author
makes, but I have found that worthwhile.Although bad agents can harm a career, I’ve had ones who helped me find
good pub houses, negotiate contracts, and generally advise me about the big,
bad world of publishing.In the
beginning my agent helped me prepare my novels to attract an editor, although
now I work more directly with the publisher/editor on things like manuscript
revision.

5.Do you have any tips of advice for writers
trying to get published?

One thing I’d say, at least
for a traditional publishing career, (besides getting an agent, if possible) is
to concentrate on one genre at first.A
prospective agent or editor wants to be able to build a new author in one type
of novel, not have a new author who writes all over the map.(This can be confusing for building an
audience too.)I’ve heard writers tells
agents, “I’ve written a romance, a mystery and a sci fi fantasy, so which
should I send you?”Nope.Until you’re John Grisham or Nora Roberts,
build your brand in one area, then branch out, if you want to.And keep writing.The bad news is that the only way to learn
how to write (especially something as big as a novel) is to write.

Also, although this seems
like a no-brainer, build relationship with other authors, successful ones, if
possible.When I was first published I
knew only two published authors, but today that world is wide open.I belong to Mystery Writers of America, The
Historical Novel Society, Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International
Thriller Writers, and Central Ohio Fiction Writers.Through these organizations and their
conferences and workshops, I’ve learned a lot, met editors and publishers and
made lifelong and supportive friends.Writing is a lonely occupation (obsession?) so reach out to the people
who understand you along the way.

I have never belonged to a
critique group but I know they benefit some writers, so that’s a
consideration.But don’t get hung up at
that stage:get a completed manuscript
ready and submit it.Check out
publisher’s hints and agent’s websites—that’s an education in itself.

I was with a group of about
30 published authors once and someone asked, “How many of you published the first
novel you wrote?”About 2 of the 30 had
done that; the others actually first sold their 3rd, 4th,
or 10th book.If you really
want to be published, never give up.

6.How about a snippet from your book that is meant
to intrigue and tantalize us?

Please visit my website at www.KarenHarperAuthor.comThere are links there to “Look Inside the
Book,” see an author interview and read background on my novels.Of course, the world of Google allows readers
to research authors through their websites, write them and even read about them
in Wikipedia!Happy reading and good
writing!

FINDING MERCY, is nominated for best contemporary cover of the year at www.CoverCafe.com. After May 2, readers can vote for their favorite cover. Please check out the Cover Café site on or after May 2nd and cast your vote for Karen's beautiful cover.

I want to thank Author Karen Harper on behalf of Crimson Frost Books Publishing for her time to do this interview and her helpful information. I look forward to reading her newest book. Happy Reading, Celeste

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